The last game of the year is always a special one for the Groot Drak team – not only because its a time to remember Alfie Cupido but also due to the competition being in the form of the ever talented WPCC side. This year was certainly no different with the visiting team sporting some fresh members that were all young and highly competent cricketers currently playing at various impressive levels. Led by the experience of their skipper Louis Koen – the stage was set for a great game. WPCC won the toss and elected to bat – a great move in the post rain heat that had presented itself on that fine Sunday.

Groot Drak welcomed back Mr Hughes (0/19 from 3) who chose to start running up the hill and quickly found his ever consistent rhythm. Craig McNaught (0/18 from 4) continued on his current form from the other side and the 2 openers cameoed beautifully with a few nearly finding the edges of the opening WPCC pair. C. Pratt (46 from 37 balls) looked dangerous from the word go and anything straying outside the line or too short was quickly dispatched.

Conrad Schultz (2/42 from 7) was first change and picked up an early breakthrough wicket in his second over before powering through his allotted 7 overs on the trot whilst getting another great wicket and being very economical in all but his final over. Alan Sherratt (3/17 from 7) bowled in tandem with Conrad and the two of them managed to strangle the middle order whilst Alan picked up 3 wickets to effectively get a bit deeper towards the visitors tail.

Seeing the effectiveness of spin, the skipper opted for the seasoned off spin twins of Jaco Swarts (4/17 off 6.2) and Angus Simmers (1/12 off 4) to further tighten the screws on the batting side. In amongst all of this the fielding side managed to hold onto every opportunity given which is unusual in friendly cricket. None of the other batsmen managed to get above 20 despite a few looking like they were about to get going and WPCC were all out for 123 with a few over left to bowl.

After a short break, lunch and a quick dip in the pool for some – Quintin VD Westhuizen (62 from 58 not out) and Jaco Swarts (14 from 15) strode out to take on the WPCC attack comprising a young and wily spinner in the form of JR (1/18 from 7) together with the Dutch international in the form of Mikkie. On Jakes dismissal – Rikus Walters (3 from 23) looked in promising form before being dismissed LBW and Conrad Schultz (28 from 23 not out) joined Quinny to hunt down the final few runs and make sure fines started early and all could make it home to watch the Blitz Bokke in the final.

All in all Groot Drak managed to clinch this one in a comprehensive 8 wicket victory which doesn’t really show how the game could have swung in WPCC favour at any stage.

Both teams gathered on the pitch post match in a time honored tradition to show gratitude to the oldest turf wicket in SA and to say a few fond words remembering our late skipper Alfie. A few cold orange juices were then consumed during fines and some humorous moments recalled as the two sides watched the afternoon light settle in over the Drakenstein Valley.

We would like to thank Louis and his team for the spirit in which the game was played and to all that were involved to make this a memorable fixture.

Man of the match: Alan Sherratt

With the promises of a cut-off low storm hitting that evening – we were warmly welcomed to the Scorpions home ground on a mild Saturday morning. After the Drakkies and half the Scorpions introduced themselves to the other half of the new members at Scorpions, the toss was made and the home team skipper, Gav opted to bowl on a wicket freshly prepared by the Greek Goddess Antheia.

It was great to see the opening pair of Jaco Swarts and Marko Combrink stride out to the middle to face the opening attack from Maze and Graham. It was quickly evident that trusting the bounce on the pitch was going to be impossible and both Jaco and Marko tried to bed down against the openers before Jaco was caught behind by a ball that both seamed and popped. Conrad Schultz entered the fray and was by far the pick of the batsmen for Drakkies on the day. He seemed to catch onto the speed of the pitch quite quickly and scored an impressive 45. Along the way he was joined by new member Christiaan Ritter who looked in great form before being caught for 23 as he got into the swing of it.

Alan, Craig, Morne, Albert and William didn’t contribute much whilst Wessel put on a strong 17 and Liam was not out 19 with Drakkies posting a low 132 all out. It was definitely not a 200 pitch and feelings at the lunch break was 150 would have been defendable.

The Groot Drak side knew they had to bowl tight and field well to make a game of this one and opening bowlers Liam (0/12 off 7) and Conrad (1/28 off 7) certainly did this. Liam was very unlucky not to get a few wickets as he beat the batters at least twice an over.

Pat Lawson (20) and Jacques (47 N/O) stuck around with Pat ultimately falling to the bowling of Conrad which brought Dave Bakker to the field which we knew was a big wicket to get. Craig McNaught was introduced to the attack and bowled a steady spell of 0/22 off 4.

Halftime drinks heralded the score being only 57-1 with both a lot of batting and a lot of bowling to do but it gave a hint that the game was shaping up to be a tight one.

Dave was dismissed shortly after drinks by great bowling from Christaan (2/21 from 7) and Mario Solomons shortly after that. With 10 overs to go Scorpions were 92-3 and the game was on.

Alan Sherratt (1/32 from 7) and Albert van Tonder (0/14 from 4) took over the bowling duties and it all came down to the last over where a drop catch and a risky hit over the top meant the Scorpions reached their required 133 with 3 balls to go.

The spirit of the game and drinks and boeries rolls afterwards only added to what had been an amazing day of cricket and we would like to thank the Scorpions for hosting us on a tricky but amazing fixture. It is an honour to play alongside like minded cricketers and this game is a testament to the ethos of friendly cricket.

Scorpions – we will see you on the return leg.

Man of the match was given to Liam and Jacques whilst Craig and William shared the duck hat.